Quality Assurance Manager

Company Overview:

LaserStar Technologies is a leading global supplier of laser sources for not only welding but also marking, cutting, deep engraving, and motion systems. The company is dedicated to its core values, and we pride ourselves on innovation, teamwork, and delivering high-quality solutions to our clients/customers.

Job Overview:

This position is responsible for the overall Quality System.  This includes developing quality procedures and methods, identifying required equipment and maintaining required calibrations, record keeping, failure analysis and testing.  This position will work with Purchasing, Engineering, Receiving, Manufacturing, and Customer Service as required.  This position will perform duties as assigned by the Senior Vice President or designee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and enforce quality assurance policies, procedures, and metrics to ensure compliance and continual improvement.
• Conduct internal audits and manage external audit processes, ensuring adherence to ISO and other relevant standards.
• Failure Identification and Analysis:
• Record and analyze customer failures, develop corrective and preventive action plans, and maintain detailed records.
• Oversee incoming inspection processes, including vendor reports, notifications, and corrective actions.
• Lead failure analysis and corrective action initiatives within the manufacturing process, ensuring comprehensive record-keeping and effective resolution.
• Quality Procedures and Methods:
• Develop quality procedures for assembly, manufacturing, and incoming inspection processes.
• Implement and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), providing training for employees as needed.
• Perform hands-on inspections and testing for assembly, acceptance, engineering, and software requirements as needed.
• Testing and Reporting:
• Conduct and oversee testing for acceptance, engineering, and software evaluations.
• Complete governmental reports for new products, annual requirements, and other necessary documentation.
• Track quality trends and produce comprehensive reports for management and employee review.
• Team Leadership:
• Lead and mentor the quality assurance team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Purchasing, Engineering, Receiving, Manufacturing, and Customer Service, to address quality concerns and drive corrective actions.
• Customer Focus:
• Act as the primary point of contact for customer quality concerns and manage the resolution process.
• Analyze customer feedback and warranty data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in quality management systems.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a leadership role in Quality Assurance or Quality Control.
• Proven track record of implementing and managing quality systems in compliance with ISO standards.
• Quality assurance experience in a technical setting is highly desirable.

 SKILLS

• Service orientation
• Monitoring
• Critical thinking
• Judgment and decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Troubleshooting
• Negotiation
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills to effectively manage and motivate a team of employees.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey information clearly and effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and process improvement.
• Fluent in Office Applications such as Word and Excel.
• Proficiency with quality management tools and software.
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Knowledge of laser and photonics technologies is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on quality.
• Experience in other technical areas not related to Quality is a plus.

Key Attributes:

• Leadership and teamwork aligned with LaserStar’s core values.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
• Pro-active approach to identifying and resolving quality challenges.
• Problem-solving skills to address any operational challenges that may arise.
• Organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate record-keeping and inventory management.
• Leadership:
  • Prior leadership or mentoring experience is a plus

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CQE, CQA, Six Sigma) are preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to sit and work at a desk using a computer, telephone, and other office equipment for the day.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primary work is in a warehouse space. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.